Posted on the CAPT website
www.psychtechs.net
January 20, 2010

CAPT rep outlines ‘shameful’ DJJ downsizing mistakes

CAPT CDCR Consultant Ann Lyles pulled no punches in a letter to the state about its ongoing Division of Juvenile Justice “rightsizing” problems.

Lyles painstakingly outlined every mistake committed by the state in the Heman G. Stark Youth Facility layoff process, and then highlighted what should have been done according to contract rights -- essentially creating a correct layoff plan from scratch.

She especially let state representatives have it over the treatment of one DJJ Psych Tech who tried in good faith to resolve her placement problems, only to be constantly sent back and forth between state and local representatives.

“I think it is shameful that this woman has been given the runaround on such an important issue,” wrote Lyles.

The letter made a difference. State representatives are now rectifying their mistakes and getting people assigned correctly according to contract rights and members’ stated placement preferences.

“These people’s lives are already turned upside-down,” said Lyles. “The state’s mistakes are salt in the wounds of affected members and their families.”

Watch for more information on this issue as it becomes available.